Metro Vancouver, B.C. – The captain is coming!
Christine Sinclair, captain of the Canadian women’s national soccer team, will be awarded an honorary degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) during a special convocation ceremony at the university’s Surrey campus Oct. 6.
KPU announced the decision to award Sinclair an honorary degree in 2013, but her schedule has kept her from attending convocation until now. Sinclair is an Olympic bronze medalist and Canada’s all-time leading scorer, and has been named Player of the Year by Canada Soccer 12 times.
“She brings strength and dignity to the sport of soccer, and her presence on the field is extraordinary,” noted KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis. “She is an inspiration to all young people and it’s an honour for us to bestow this tribute on her.”
Sinclair’s achievements are vast and varied, both for her athleticism and her sportsmanship. In 2002, she was named one of the top 25 most influential people in Canadian sports by The Globe and Mail, and the same year was awarded the Golden Boot for most goals scored and the Golden Ball for best player in the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championships. She was named Athlete of the Year by Sportsnet in 2012, she is a recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, she has a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, and in 2015 she was featured on a Canadian postage stamp with teammate Kadeisha Buchanan.
Sinclair will accept her award from KPU during a special convocation ceremony Oct. 6 at KPU Surrey, 12666-72nd Ave.
The event is free and open to the public. A limited number of seats is available. Those who wish to attend must RSVP prior to the event by emailing convocationrsvp@kpu.ca. Doors open at 1 p.m. Guests must be in their seats by 1:45 p.m. The ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes.
More information about KPU’s fall convocation ceremonies is available at kpu.ca/convocation.
Honorary degrees are awarded to those honoris causa in recognition of dignified achievements or outstanding service to the public. Members of the university community and the community at large are invited to nominate candidates. Nominees are exceptionally distinguished scholars, creative artists, public servants, prominent people in the community and the professions, and others who have made significant contributions locally, nationally or globally.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca. www.kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
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